Members of the Principal's Book Club at Bernstein Intermediate School, Huguenot, raised money for autism awareness. From the left are students Steven Thomas, George Tawfellas, Rosemarie Smerina, Andriy Khmil and Lauren Romano.
(Photos Courtesy of Danka Amtzis)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - HUGUENOT - A reading assignment at Bernstein Intermediate School turned into a lesson on autism, which, in turn, resulted in a student-led fund-raiser for a local non-profit that aids families with autistic children.

Bernstein Principal Dr. Nora DeRosa-Karby created the Principal's Book Club with the intention of encouraging students to read for pleasure. The club is voluntary, and is open to the first 25 students who sign up each year from each grade.

Students are asked to read a book and complete assignments. Club members meet three times per semester, usually during lunch period, to discuss a book chosen for the semester.

The fall semester called for students to read the book "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko. The main character, Moose Flannagan, moves with his family to Alcatraz, so his father can work as a prison guard, and his sister, Natalie, who is autistic, can attend a special school.

Club moderator Danka Amtzis, a sixth-grade dean, said that after reading the book "students were so intrigued that they researched the topic of autism and decided they wanted to do something special to help autistic children and their families."

They decided to organize a fund-raiser and sold ice cream during lunch to raise money. Parents also contributed.

Eighth-grader Lauren Romano raised $500 for the cause.

"I feel that it was important to raise money for autism research because this particular disease affects children like us, so it really touches my heart to have the ability to try to help them. This fund-raiser could make a real difference for them," Lauren said.

Her classmates in the Book Club were equally serious about the issue.

"We thought we could help others in a unique way and really make sure that IS 7 helps everyone," said Steven Thomas.

"Autism is a serious issue that affects many families. If we were able to raise enough money it would help many families who suffer because of it," said Andriy Kmil.

Rosemarie Smerina said she was motivated by the desire to educate her classmates about autism. "I feel that it's important to raise money for autism, to educate students of IS 7, as well as myself, and reach out a helping hand to those in need."

George Tawfellas said he could empathize with autistic students who may be misunderstood by their peers. "Daily, young kids suffer from autism, and are rejected by their peers. Raising money for autism is important because it will help them," he said.

The students wound up raising more than $700. They presented the money to Donna Long, executive director of the G.R.A.C.E. (Getting Resources for Autistic Children's Equality) Foundation.

Mrs. Long, who also doubles as head of the Staten Island Children's Campaign and is herself the mother of a child on the autistic spectrum, told students their efforts were much appreciated. She explained that each day more children on Staten Island are diagnosed and the need for autism services grows.